How to Choose the Right Thickness for Composite Flooring

Choosing the right composite flooring thickness plays a crucial role in its durability, comfort underfoot, sound insulation, and overall performance. Different thicknesses are designed for different usage scenarios, so understanding how to match thickness with your needs will ensure long-lasting and visually appealing results.

Common Composite Flooring Thicknesses and Applications

  • 7–8 mm

    Best suited for low-traffic areas such as bedrooms and guest rooms. This thickness is cost-effective and performs well in spaces with limited daily use.

  • 9–12 mm

    Offers improved durability, better sound insulation, and a more solid feel underfoot. Ideal for high-traffic residential areas such as living rooms, hallways, kitchens, and home offices.

  • 12–15 mm

    Highly impact-resistant and extremely stable. Commonly used in commercial environments or heavily used areas within the home.

Choosing Thickness Based on Usage Frequency

Usage intensity is one of the most important factors when selecting composite flooring thickness:

  • Low-frequency use areas (bedrooms, guest rooms): 7–8 mm is sufficient.
  • High-frequency use areas (hallways, kitchens, living rooms): 9–12 mm or thicker is recommended for enhanced durability and lifespan.
Composite flooring of different thicknesses and patterns

Subfloor Flatness Considerations

The condition of the subfloor directly affects installation quality:

  • If the subfloor is uneven, thicker flooring (around 12 mm) can better mask minor imperfections and deliver a smoother finished surface.
  • If the subfloor is already well-leveled, 7–9 mm flooring is generally adequate.

Comfort and Sound Insulation Performance

Thicker composite flooring improves both comfort and acoustic performance:

  • In areas where prolonged standing is common, such as kitchens, thicker boards provide better cushioning and walking comfort.
  • For sound insulation—especially to reduce noise transmission between floors—a minimum thickness of 9 mm is recommended. Performance can be further enhanced when combined with sound-absorbing underlays.

Installation Compatibility and Underlay Use

  • For click-lock systems, flooring thickness must be compatible with the subfloor and underlay to avoid installation issues.
  • While high-quality underlays can improve comfort and sound insulation for thinner flooring, selecting a thickness that naturally meets performance needs is always the preferred solution.
Workers are adjusting the subfloor flatness of composite flooring.

Visual and Design Impact

Thicker composite flooring creates a more solid and stable appearance, making it particularly suitable for larger spaces and helping elevate the overall sense of quality and refinement.

When selecting composite flooring thickness, consider usage frequency, subfloor condition, sound insulation requirements, and comfort expectations.

As a general guideline:

Making an informed choice based on real application needs ensures your composite flooring is both durable and visually appealing over time.

The Big 5 Global 2024 invitation showing our spc flooring, wall panels & accesories and exhibition information.